Can Dogs Eat Pork? Is This Popular Meat Safe for Pups?
Pork is one of the most versatile meats on the market. Delicious, crispy bacon is most people’s favorite form of pork, but sausages and pork chops are incredibly popular, too.
With the holidays right around the corner, you might be wondering if you can sneak your pups a piece of your mother’s famous holiday sausage or throw them some pork bones.
It’s usually safe for dogs to eat pork. However, it all depends on how you serve it. Raw pork is never a good idea, but it’s safe for dogs to eat cooked pork.
Pork served without any extra frills or seasonings is safest for dogs because many traditional additions to pork, like onion powder or garlic powder, can cause serious medical problems for dogs.
If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat pork and how to serve it to them safely, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ll give you all the details, so your doggo doesn’t feel left out at holiday meals.
Is Pork Safe for Dogs?
Dogs can safely have pork, but you’ll need to be cautious about how you prepare and serve it. Raw or undercooked pork is very dangerous for dogs, so you want to make sure you’re only serving them portions that have been cooked all the way through.
One of the best parts of cooking pork for humans is all the delicious seasonings we add! However, most of these seasonings, like garlic powder, onion powder, leeks, and chives, are actually dangerous for dogs.
This is why they shouldn’t eat pepperoni either.
It’s also important not to feed pork to your dog too often. Pork has too much salt for dogs to handle eating frequently, so make sure you keep it as an occasional treat!
You can keep your pup safe by feeding them plain pork only. Don’t use any additional seasonings like the ones we mentioned above, because these can lead to some digestive system complications for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raw or Cooked Pork?
Raw pork isn’t safe for dogs or humans! Uncooked meat is often full of harmful bacteria, and pork is no exception. Eating raw pork can lead to a parasitic infection known as trichinosis, which leads to some pretty serious medical issues (and a very expensive vet bill!).
Cooking pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit is the best way to keep them safe.
Avoid feeding your dog raw meat of any kind, including pork. Doing otherwise can be extremely dangerous, and we want to keep our canine friends healthy!
Stick to small portions of cooked pork only, especially if it’s your dog’s first time trying it. You’ll also want to avoid high-salt foods like bacon because it can actually be quite toxic for them.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Bones?
Most dogs fall head over heels with excitement whenever they see a bone! It was always a struggle to boil down pork bones to make stock when my Pitbull Lily was around, so the temptation to give in and throw them a bone is completely understandable!
Unfortunately, it’s not safe to let your pup chew on pork bones. Cooked pork bones tend to get very fragile and splinter easily, which is a significant choking risk.
However, cooked pork bones can be boiled down further to make a broth you and your dog will love!
Uncooked bones are less fragile but still have the potential to splinter, just like chicken bones. The best thing to do with uncooked pork bones is toss them in the garbage where your dog can’t get to them.
Your best bet is to stick with the bones you bought at the store, and have someone entertain your dog in another room while you deal with the pork bones in the kitchen!
You could even get them an indestructible dog toy if they really like to have something to chew on!
Is Pork Good for Dogs?
One of the biggest reasons dog owners don’t like to give their pups any table scraps is because they believe “people” food isn’t good for them.
While that’s true for pork that’s been seasoned, plain pork actually has plenty of health benefits for dogs. Pork is actually added to several brands of dog food and is very gentle on a dog’s digestive system.
Amino Acids & Essential Vitamins
When dogs eat cooked pork, it supplies them with plenty of nutrients. Pork is an excellent source of healthy amino acids, and essential vitamins dogs need to stay healthy.
Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential vitamin for dogs and is a vital part of a healthy diet for them. Pork meat is also easily digestible for dogs, so it’s perfect for older pups with sensitive stomachs.
If you’re looking to boost essential vitamins and minerals in your dog’s diet, cooking and serving them pork liver or heart is an excellent way to do so. Mix them up with some asparagus for fiber or a small amount of broccoli for an additional healthy treat!
Good Balance of Fats
Another concern many pet owners have about feeding their dogs pork is the amount of fat typically found in most cuts. However, most pork actually has a good balance of saturated and monosaturated fats.
We all need a healthy ratio of these fats to stay healthy in our diets, including our furry friends!
How To Serve Pork to Your Dog
Our recommendation for serving your dog pork is to keep it simple. Make sure you cook the pork thoroughly and let it sit until it’s cool to the touch before offering it to your pup.
We have a few more suggestions for how to feed your dog pork, so check out these other tips on feeding your dog pork:
- Always offer a small amount first. Dogs can have an allergic reaction to almost anything, including pork. If this is your dog’s first time trying pork, make sure to give them a very small amount. Watch them over the next 72 hours for vomiting, dizziness, or other signs of an allergic reaction. Take them to the vet straight away if you do notice anything.
- Try mixing pork with other foods they love. If your dog is a fan of eggs or veggies, try mixing some with the pork. It’ll make a delicious, healthy treat for your pup while providing them with plenty of healthy minerals and essential vitamins.
- Make a broth with the pork. Whether you call it wet food or soft food, dogs love that mushy canned food from the store. You can make your own version at home by making a broth from pork and adding some of their regular kibble and some veggies. Your dog will be amazed at this treat! It’s perfect for sensitive stomachs because it’s easier for their digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Pork Safely?
Dogs can absolutely eat pork safely! Pork is full of nutritious goodies like essential vitamins and minerals and a healthy ratio of different fats. Pork is also an easily digestible meat, and there are a ton of ways you can serve it to your dog.
Just make sure to avoid serving them bacon, ham, or pork with seasonings and other frills, and keep checking back with BarkingTalk for more amazing doggie advice!
Unsure how long dogs can go without eating anything? Find out!